Late Ouattara equaliser rescues point for Brentford

Dango Ouattara’s late equaliser rescued a potentially crucial point for Brentford in their pursuit of a European place. 

Keith Andrews’ side remain eighth in the Premier League, which could be sufficient to earn a place in the Europa Conference League.

However, they had to fight back from losing a goal in each half, with Ouattara hauling them level twice.

Palace forward Ismaila Sarr netted a penalty, with Adam Wharton later restoring the visitors’ lead.

The Eagles went ahead early on in controversial fashion, with VAR.

Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was adjudged to have impeded Sarr as the attacker bore in on goal. Sarr dispatched the spot-kick.

They then dominated the bulk of the first half as the Bees struggled to gather momentum.

Both Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the woodwork amid some enterprising play by the Eagles.

Brentford’s first equaliser, five minutes before half-time, was owed to some good fortune.

Palace defender Jaydee Canvot’s headed clearance from a cross rebounded off Ouattara’s head before going into the net.

The Eagles restored their lead in the 52nd minute.

With the Brentford defence struggling to clear a loose ball from their penalty area, eventually Wharton took aim from around 20 yards out before firing a low, left-foot shot which went underneath Kelleher.

Brentford hit back when Michael Kayode’s long throw was touched by Sepp van den Berg towards the far post, where Ouattara was on hand to force the ball into the net.

Brentford: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer (Van Den Berg 82), Collins, Lewis-Potter, Yarmolyuk (Dasilva, Janelt (Henderson 62), Ouattara, Jensen (Schade 62), Damsgaard, Thiago.